The fact that Liverpool moved for Origi came as no shock to Adam, despite the striker admitting he was stunned to learn his new club had been tracking him for several years.

"I'm not really surprised," Adam said. "When I had him working under me with the under-19s, you had the impression that he was playing with his little brothers. Divock has the qualities to become a world-class player."

Origi acknowledged he still has work to do before linking up with Liverpool and Adam believes it is a good idea for him to have one more year at Lille.

He added: "At that age the most important thing is to play. He has to get a starting place in his own right and to become a real competitor."